Client Testimonials for Ally Zonsius CD(DONA)

Michael and Natalie

7/4/2017

We are so grateful for Ally's presence during our labor and delivery. This was a particularly challenging birth, but thanks to her deep knowledge, expert guidance, handy tools, and steady calm we were able to get through it with our minds intact! The sheer duration of the process (36 hours) left her on very little sleep (20 minutes, if that!) and food, but she went above and beyond in addressing both of our needs. It was a pleasure having her help bring our son into the world and we won't forget everything that she - and her husband, who drove to the hospital to deliver an exercise ball! - did for us! She reminded us of our various birth preferences and helped us think through various pros and cons whenever we had discussions with the medical professionals. She gently guided us through a rotation of various labor inducing activities. She kept notes of all the goings-on so that we could correctly remember the occasion in the future. She was a great conversationalist when the time called for it. And she was extremely resourceful, incorporating the shower, the rebozo, the exercise ball, light- and aromatherapy, and when all else seemed to fail, diligently enlisting her Facebook network of doulas in our cause. She was perfect and we enthusiastically recommend her.

Jade T

4/28/2017

My husband and I are polar opposites in terms of dealing with stress -- I tend to be more on the anxious side while my husband is the "just deal with it" mentality. This is what prompted us to look for a doula; we needed a happy medium! And then we found Ally via Ana Paula of Bini Birth; her infectious positive personality is what drew me to her and I am so happy my husband and I chose her! Needless to say my birth experience would have been totally different without Ally! She was truly a godsend. First of all, she is totally organized (which made my OCD self appreciate!), came to the meeting on time and was very prepared. Secondly, she took the time to get to know my husband and I during our prenatal visits. Third, she always communicated with me regarding possible birth conflicts, asking how I was feeling and provided any insights that could help me during my pregnancy. Lastly, she was there for my husband and I when it was show time at 39 weeks! She made me feel totally comfortable at the hospital by infusing oils to help calm me down, talking to me and massaging me! Although I had a C-section and I didn't labor long, I still wouldn't have changed a thing -- I am so appreciative of Ally being there not only for me but for my husband as well. So, if you are looking for a positive light of a doula who is also an amazing birth photographer then look no further than Ally!

Corina Smith

3/7/2017

My husband and I booked Ally at the extreme last minute (a few weeks before the due date), but it wasn't an issue. She accpeted the job and took everything in stride. And it was the best decision we made in the months leading up to the birth. She is awesome. Extremely nurturing, knowledgeable, and personable. The pre-partum and post-partum consultations were of course very helpful, but her skills during the birth were key. She was the perfect calming presence during the intesity of labor. She deftly handled me, my husband, and the hospital staff with ease while delivering constant massages! She made the experience of childbirth as enjoyable and tolerable as possible. We will definitely use Ally again if the need arises. Highly recommended all around.

Kristen Co

12/30/2016

I was so lucky to have Ally in my labor room during the birth of my daughter. She was a great coach and not afraid to get her hands dirty! Ally has been so passionate about being a doula. I can't wait to have her there for baby #2.

Jessica Cameron

12/26/2016

I could not picture the birth of my son without the caring support of Ally Zonsius. Ally was my birth doula during the pregnancy and labor for my first child. Prior to delivery, Ally made several house visits where we discussed my birth plan as well as pregnancy issues and preparing for labor. I immediately could tell that Ally was a warm, supportive, knowledgeable person who made me feel at ease and strong when facing a new experience. During my labor, Ally was with me and my husband the entire time, helping me to work through contractions with breathing exercises, movement, a birth ball, and a soothing environment. Ally inspired me to draw on strength I didn't know I had. When my labor did not go as planned, and I was preparing for a c-section, Ally continued to support us every step of the way.

In addition to being our birth doula, Ally provided us with birth photos and a video. With great artistry, she captured those first magical moments when my husband and I met our son. I am so happy to have these photos and a loving video of these first moments. Ally also provided placenta encapsulation, delivering the placenta capsules just days after birth along with a beautiful umbilical cord keepsake. Her love and hard work was evident here as well.

Even weeks after birth, Ally keeps in touch and checks in on our new family. Ally was an integral part of the birth of my son, and I am so thankful for her supprt.

Michelle Mckibben

12/22/2016

Ally Zonsius was AMAZING and so great for our 2nd child's delivery. We didn't use a doula with our first daughter and thought that we could survive the 2nd without one, but we were wrong. Not only did she spend time with us in pre-meetings discussing what did/didn't work with our first delivery, she made sure all of our concerns were addressed and resolved during labor/delivery. She was our advocate and came with so many supplies that helped a very long and painful labor (all night) go more smoothly. When I said I wanted to go in the shower, she was in there with me in her bathing suit for what seemed like hours, literally holding me up when my contractions overtook me and I felt like collapsing. I can't thank her enough for taking care of me and my family. Not once did she take a break, but instead gave my mom and husband a chance to rest as we were at it all night long. She knew they would need to be rested to help me and the baby after delivery. And did I mention she does photography too?!?!?! I still tear up looking at those beautiful first moments she captured for us. We can't recommend her enough.

Rachel Deutsch

12/13/2016

We hired Ally at the last minute (a few days before my due date) and it was a great decision. She was super efficient about getting to know us and what we wanted for the birth in a short time frame.
I could say a lot about Ally but I think the most ringing endorsement is: I birthed a 9lb 9oz baby, on pitocin, without an epidural.There is no way I could have done it without Ally. She was great about helping me find positions I could use on or close to the bed (due to monitoring) and worked really well with my husband, my doctor and the nurses at Good Sam. She also kept in touch after the birth to make sure we were doing well.